Bungards have known about Lambert’s for many years, and in these restricted times where people are having to think a little more ‘outside the box’ when it comes to celebrating a loved ones memory we would like to share with you their story.
Lambert’s White Dove Release Brighton was started up in 2015 by Viv Lambert and her daughter Laura. The family run company was started in Enfield in 2009 by Viv’s cousin, they have over 100 birds at their London home and 5 years ago Viv decided to bring doves to the people of Sussex. They have two purpose built dove cottages that currently house about 60 doves – most of whom are now tame enough to feed by hand each day.
The beautiful birds fly freely unless there is a release, then their cottage is closed the night before so they can catch the required number to pop in baskets the next morning. Once in the baskets, they settle and wait happily for release time, then as soon as they’ve performed their service they fly straight back home to meet up with their ‘family’ and enjoy their supper.
Viv explains that “our doves are loved and precious to us, and their welfare is paramount so we never carry out releases indoors, in severe weather conditions or in the dark. Each one of our doves has been extensively and carefully trained to navigate back to its home once released”
Viv then goes on to explain the release process “An experienced handler will arrive with the doves and meet the family at a previously agreed place. The family or person who has booked our dove(s) will be handed the dove, ready for release in its carrier. They may release the dove(s) as and when they wish. Our doves can be removed from the carrier and released by hand if you prefer”
So why have a dove release at a funeral, surely doves are more synonymous with weddings?
Letting go can be one of the hardest things we ever have to do, yet all of us at some time have to do it. For millennia and across cultures, doves have symbolised love, peace and new beginnings. Cradling one gently then releasing it to soar and fly free, watching as it circles and orientates before purposefully heading for home can be a powerful way of relieving grief associated with the loss of a loved one. The message of the dove is simple: life changes shape and form while the love lives on, blessing us forever.
For further information on the doves, to arrange a bespoke release or to speak to Viv about any questions you may have please click here